Converting a House to Solar Energy
By Matt Duty
What is solar energy?
Energy from the Sun
How can it power my house?
What are my options?
• Grid-tied
– Utility power can be used if needed
– Any excess power can be sold to utility company
• Grid-tied with battery backup
– Excess sent to utility company and stored for backup
• Off-grid
– Complete power independence
• Emergency backup
– Solar power stored for backup
Tax breaks?
• 30% Federal tax credit with no limit
• 35% NC State Tax Credit up to $10,500
• NC State Property Tax Abatement
– 80% reduction of upgraded value on property tax
Cost Comparison
Based on 2,000 kwh consumption per month
Solar Energy
• Solar equipment with 25 year
warranty
 $20,026.44
• Minus tax credits
 $20,026.44 – $13,017.19 = $7,009.25
Duke Energy
• Monthly bill from utility
company
 $220 per month
 $2,640 per year
 $66,000 over 25 years
Monthly
Yearly
25 Years
Duke Energy
$220
$2,640
$66,000
Solar Energy
$23.37
280.37
7,009.25
Savings with Solar
$196.63
$2,359.63
$58,990.75
• Figures are approximate and individual results may vary
• Does not reflect using utility power or selling excess power
• Information based on the cost of basic Grid-tied solar equipment
• Maximum energy efficiency is recommended prior to system installation
Sources
"DSIRE." : Incentives/Policies by State: North Carolina : Incentives/Policies for Renewables & Efficiency.
N.p., n.d. Web. 22 July 2014.
<http://dsireusa.org/incentives/index.cfm?re=0&ee=0&spv=0&st=0&srp=1&state=NC>.
"Enthusiasm for Solar Panels Is Contagious (Wired UK)." Wired UK. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Aug. 2014.
<http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-10/19/solar-power-contagious>.
"Grid-tie / Off-grid Kits, Solar Panels, Home Backup." Solar Panels, Grid Tie / Off-Grid Kits, Backup
Power. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 July 2014. <http://www.bluepacificsolar.com/>.
"Solar Power." Alternative Energy. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Aug. 2014. <http://www.alternative-energynews.info/technology/solar-power/>.